SWMS guide · updated November 2026

SWMS for demolition contractors

Demolition is one of the highest-risk activities on any site. A SWMS is required for demolishing load-bearing elements and for work likely to disturb asbestos.

Common demolition tasks that need a SWMS

• Strip-outs and partial demolition
• Removal of load-bearing walls
• Work around asbestos-containing materials
• Demolition with excavators and bobcats

High risk construction work categories that usually apply

• Demolition of an element of a structure that is load-bearing or related to physical integrity
• Work likely to involve disturbing asbestos
• Work in an area at a workplace where there is any movement of powered mobile plant
• Risk of a person falling more than 2 metres

Key hazards and example controls

Hazard	Risk	Example controls
Unplanned collapse during demolition	Crush injury or death	Engineer's assessment / demolition plan before work. Propping and temporary support as specified. Demolish in planned sequence. Exclusion zones. Competent supervision at all times.
Hazardous materials in the structure (asbestos, lead paint, silica)	Exposure to hazardous dust	Check asbestos register / hazardous materials survey before starting. Wet methods and on-tool dust extraction. RPE (P2 minimum) as required.
Disturbing asbestos-containing material	Inhalation of asbestos fibres (mesothelioma, asbestosis)	Check the asbestos register before starting. Removal only by an appropriately licensed removalist where required. Never use power tools, high-pressure water or brooms on ACM. Wet down, P2/P3 RPE, disposable coveralls. Seal and label waste; dispose at approved facility.
Mobile plant moving near workers	Struck by or crushed by plant	Traffic management / exclusion zones separating people and plant. Spotters. Reversing alarms and beacons. Licensed operators. Pre-start checks. Hi-vis clothing.
Working at height on roofs, edges, scaffolds or ladders	Fall from height causing serious injury or death	Eliminate where possible by doing work at ground level (pre-fabricate). Install edge protection / guardrails before work starts. Use scaffold or EWP in preference to ladders. Where a fall-prevention device isn't practicable, use a fall-arrest system with anchor points certified and a rescue plan in place. Ladders only for short-duration light work, on firm level ground, secured, 3 points of contact.
Fragile roofing, skylights and penetrations	Falling through brittle surfaces	Identify and mark fragile surfaces. Install safety mesh or covers rated for the load. Exclusion zones under work area. Walkways/crawl boards on fragile roofs.
Falling objects from height	Workers or public struck by tools/materials	Toe boards and debris netting. Tool lanyards. Exclusion zone with barricades and signage below. Hard hats in the zone.

Example controls are a starting point only — tailor them to your site, your plant and the way you'll actually do the job.

Other site hazards worth including

• Silica dust from cutting, grinding or drilling — Wet cutting or on-tool extraction (H-class vacuum). P2 RPE minimum. No dry sweeping. Health monitoring as required.
• Noise from power tools and plant — Use quieter equipment. Limit exposure time. Hearing protection in noisy areas.

What your SWMS has to cover

• Which high risk construction work the job involves.
• The hazards and the risks to health and safety from them.
• The control measures, and how they'll be implemented, monitored and reviewed — e.g. who installs and who checks the edge protection.
• It should be specific to the site and available to the workers and supervisors doing the job.
• If work isn't being done in line with the SWMS, it must stop (immediately or as soon as it's safe).
• Review and revise it whenever the control measures change.

Based on Safe Work Australia, SafeWork NSW and WorkSafe Queensland guidance. Victoria applies its own OHS Regulations — check WorkSafe Victoria.

Common questions

Do demolition contractors need a SWMS?

Whenever the job involves high risk construction work — for demolition that commonly means demolition, asbestos, mobile plant, working at heights. Many principal contractors also require one before you start on site.

How long does it take to make one?

With SWMS Ready, around 10 minutes: tick the high risk work, tailor the pre-filled hazards and controls, add site and emergency details, then print with a sign-on sheet.

Can I reuse my SWMS on the next job?

Review it for every site. The hazards, controls, people and emergency arrangements need to match the actual job.